The Best Exploration Games for PC Windows

Update : The Mine added at rank #32.
1

Outer Wilds (2019)

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94
Review score
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PC Windows Android Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Unravel the mysteries of the universe in Outer Wilds, an award-winning open world game. Explore an ever-evolving solar system, uncover alien secrets, and enjoy a thought-provoking narrative. With no enemies to fight, you're free to discover at your own pace. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in space!


What we like:
  • Unique and immersive gameplay experience
  • Beautiful and intricate world-building
  • Thought-provoking narrative
  • Encourages fearless discovery
  • Captures the mysteries of the universe
What could be improved:
  • May cause motion sickness
  • Game's physics can lead to unexpected deaths

  • exploration
  • mystery
  • puzzle
  • discovery
  • open-world
  • space
  • sci-fi
  • endless
  • adventure
  • first-person
  • day
  • story
  • narrative

2

Caravan Sandwitch (2024)

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81
Review score
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Playstation 5 PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Embark on a journey across vast landscapes in Caravan SandWitch, a captivating narrative-driven exploration adventure.

Buy

  • exploration
  • 3d
  • post-apocalyptic
  • metroidvania
  • driving
  • fiction
  • 1980s
  • colourful
  • stylized
  • third-person
  • mystery
  • robots
  • futuristic
  • action-adventure
  • interactive

3

STAR WARS Jedi: Survivora (2023)

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79
Review score
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PC Windows

The story of Cal Kestis continues in STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™, a galaxy-spanning, third-person, action-adventure game.

Buy

  • combat
  • fight
  • platform
  • action-adventure
  • exploration
  • battle
  • narrative
  • puzzle
  • skill
  • open-world
  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • adventure
  • action
  • parkour

4

Lego Horizon Adventures (2024)

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78
Review score
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Nintendo Switch j PC Windows Playstation 5

Join machine hunter Aloy as she leads a colourful crew of heroes on a quest to save the world and learn the secrets of her past. Dive into boundless adventure, customize to your heart’s content, and take on action-packed battles solo or with friends.

Buy

  • cooperative
  • combat
  • exploration
  • dinosaurs
  • isometric
  • customization
  • level
  • battle
  • arena
  • light-hearted
  • moment-to-moment
  • open-world
  • robots
  • narrative
  • adventure

5

A Short Hike (2019)

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99
Review score
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PC Windows Mac OS Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Linux

Join Claire on her vacation and take a hike to the top of Hawk Peak in A Short Hike. Meet quirky characters, gather collectibles and uncover secrets across the charming island park. Enjoy the original soundtrack that perfectly captures the game's atmosphere. Don't let the game's title fool you, there's plenty of adventure waiting for you on this short hike.


What we like:
  • Immersive gameplay with a captivating story and charming characters
  • Beautiful pixel art and evocative soundtrack that complement the game's atmosphere perfectly
  • Rich and detailed world with lots of secrets to uncover
  • Short and concise game that provides an enjoyable and fulfilling experience
  • Great value for money
What could be improved:
  • Cumbersome inventory system
  • No map

  • park
  • relaxing
  • exploration
  • cute
  • adventure
  • flight
  • open-world
  • walking-simulator
  • inventory
  • parkour
  • funny
  • nature
  • platform
  • vertical
  • short

6

Unsighted (2021)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Android

UNSIGHTED invites you into a post-apocalyptic world where you have a ticking clock before your own expiration. With Metroidvania-like gameplay, fully interconnected world, and an interesting story that allows for tough choices, the game provides a balanced mix of exploration, combat, and character progression. With additional modes like co-op and rogue-lite, UNSIGHTED guarantees a high replay value. A game that creatively brings several game designs together to make a fun and polished game.


What we like:
  • Balanced mix of gameplay elements
  • Interesting story with tough choices
  • High replayability with additional modes
  • Polished sound and graphics
  • Responsive controls
What could be improved:
  • Writing could be better
  • Characters feel one-dimensional
  • Dialogue interrupts gameplay

  • pixel
  • exploration
  • boss
  • top-down
  • robots
  • metroidvania
  • dungeon
  • combat
  • puzzle
  • war
  • post-apocalyptic
  • souls
  • platform
  • rpg
  • crafting

7

Zenless Zone Zero (2024)

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78
Review score
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Android Playstation 5 PC Windows IOS iPhone (Xbox Series X/s) Xbox Series X/s

The story takes place in the near future, where a mysterious natural disaster known as the "Hollows" has occurred. A new kind of city has emerged in this disaster-ridden world known as "New Eridu". This last 'oasis' has mastered the technology to co-exist with the Hollows, and is home to a whole host of chaotic, boisterous, dangerous and very active factions. As a professional 'Proxy', you will play a crucial role in linking the city with the Hollows.


  • combat
  • action
  • exploration
  • persona
  • rpg
  • team
  • anime
  • boss
  • arpg
  • open-world
  • simulation
  • cyberpunk
  • puzzle
  • combo

8

Creatures of Ava (2024)

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76
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X

Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature-saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.


  • creature
  • collector
  • exploration
  • non-aggressive
  • action-adventure
  • curiosity-driven
  • lore
  • space
  • sci-fi
  • cozy
  • wholesome
  • adventure
  • crafting
  • colourful
  • cute

9

Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
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Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch wii u vita PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.

Buy

What we like:
  • Excellent game design with a lot to discover
  • Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
  • Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
  • Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
  • Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
  • Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
  • Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
  • Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options

  • boss
  • exploration
  • platform
  • metroid
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • alternate
  • pixel
  • combat
  • metroidvania
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • fight

10

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)

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78
Review score
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PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One

Unleash the force in STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor! Join Cal Kestis on an unforgettable, galaxy-spanning adventure packed with stunning visuals, satisfying gameplay, and a captivating storyline. Face thrilling boss battles and explore vast worlds. Are you ready to protect the Jedi Order?

Buy

What we like:
  • Gripping narrative
  • Visually stunning
  • Satisfying gameplay
  • Improved character development
  • Exciting boss fights
What could be improved:
  • Technical performance issues
  • Lackluster exploration
  • Some animations lack polish

  • fight
  • combat
  • action-adventure
  • exploration
  • platform
  • open-world
  • narrative
  • battle
  • boss
  • puzzle
  • adventure
  • skill
  • action
  • story
  • souls

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